Kay Cook

Kay Cook is a Professor and Associate Dean (Research) at the School of Social Sciences, Media, Film and Education, Swinburne University of Technology. Her research focuses on social policies, gender equity, economic abuse, and family dynamics. She has held prestigious fellowships, including an ARC Future Fellowship (2017–2020), and advises government committees such as the Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee. Her work bridges academic research with policy reform, emphasizing humanistic approaches to welfare and family support systems.

Key professional roles include Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Family Studies (2012–2018) and Secretary of the Australian Sociological Association. She collaborates with organizations like the Australian Bureau of Statistics and has contributed to policy frameworks addressing poverty, gender equality, and systemic financial inequities. Current initiatives include studies on intimate partner financial abuse and the impact of child support systems globally.

• Grants: Over 15 grants funded by ARC, Department of Justice, and others, focusing on child support, family violence, and mental health interventions.
• Advisees: Available to supervise PhD candidates; recent topics include child support system reforms, gender hierarchies in marriage, and workplace inclusion.
• Awards: ARC and APA scholarships highlight her sustained academic excellence and policy impact.

Her research integrates feminist methodologies with interdisciplinary approaches, addressing structural barriers faced by marginalized groups. Ongoing projects explore the intersection of technology, policy, and social justice, aiming to create equitable systems for families and individuals in vulnerable circumstances.